Friendly reminder, all members are required to have 2 events completed by February. (This helps avoid the scramble in May for events to be eligible for renewal).
Note: 3 events must be completed to renew membership in May.
Meg Kelleher & Stephanie Stellato
Co-Presidents SASO Boys, Fairfield Chapter
Check out the FAQs below!
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Here are some FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about SASO!
Who are we?
SASO, pronounced “say-so” and whose name stems from the catch phrase “If you need help, just SASO.” (Just Say So) is an inclusive high school boys service organization for boys who live in or attend high school in the town of Fairfield. We focus on having our mom and son teams participate in events that help partnered philanthropies. We provide personal growth for the boys to help them grow in such skills of leadership, service and interpersonal relationships.
How do we join?
An application to join or renew will be available on our website starting on 5/1. Applications are accepted until 5/31 or until we reach capacity. SASO’s year runs from June 1-May 31st.
Who are the board members and liaisons?
Our board members are new or current members who serve for two years or more. They bring new ideas and enthusiasm as well as a passion for service. Our board meets once a month to review current happenings and needs. We hope that you will consider getting involved! If being part of the board is not for you, then please consider becoming a philanthropy liaison or event captain. Liaisons are direct connections to philanthropies and help to organize, plan and advertise our events. Event Captains are key leaders at given events who help to manage events and answer questions.
We applied. Are we in?
Welcome letters are emailed after membership drive closes in May. If you paid for membership and you're not receiving emails, please email us at sasoboysmembership@gmail.com.
Do mom & son need to attend every event together?
As we are a mom/son organization, we ask that you complete a minimum of three events together, and we encourage you to attend all volunteer events together. After completing the three events together, your son or you can volunteer alone. Note: in person events require adult supervision, so coordinate with a friend if your son wants to attend and you can't make it.
Can we show up at an event if there are no sign up spots on the website?
We love and encourage enthusiastic volunteering however our philanthropies sometimes have specific numbers of volunteers needed. It is best to email the event captain and check with them.
What do we do if we can’t make the event we committed to?
Please do your best to sign up for events that you are able to commit to attending. Our philanthropies rely on us for help, and last minute cancellations leave us — and more importantly them — scrambling. If something unexpected (like an illness) comes up, please try to find a replacement. If you are unable to find someone, and you absolutely cannot make the event, contact the captain, giving as much notice as possible. Also copy sasoboysmembership@gmail.com.
How do I record that I completed an event?
Members are responsible for recording the events they've completed. Recording your event completion is simple! 1) Make sure you're logged in. 2) Go to the quick link "Record my events". Note: Only sons' events need to be recorded.
What is PVSA (President’s Volunteer Service Award)?
The President’s Volunteer Service Award Is the United States’ premier award program to encourage service. SASO is certified to bestow this award to members who qualify. It is awarded based on number of hours served during SASO membership year, within following age categories:
Teens (11-15) Hours: Bronze 50, Silver 75, Gold 100+
Young Adult (16-25) Hours: Bronze 100, Silver 175, Gold 250+
SASO members who wish to participate must contact Dawn Gitman at sasoboyspvsa@gmail.com to register interest. To receive the award, boys must meet all requirements of PVSA which include serving a minimum of 30% of hours through SASO and a maximum of 70% hours through other service organization while tracking and certifying every hour on Google Docs. For more information and links, go to SASO’s website tab “PVSA Requirements”
NOTE: General enrollment for PVSA will be accepted 6/1-9/30. All boys who wish to pursue PVSA should complete some events in the summer to assist with meeting PVSA eligibility.
